The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pledged that individuals arrested by security agencies for allegedly removing sewage manhole covers on Abuja highways will face the full extent of the law to serve as a deterrent to others,leadership reports.
The Minister also assured that the government would identify, apprehend, and prosecute buyers and users of the vandalized manhole covers and other public infrastructure for economic sabotage and endangering lives.
In a statement on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed that no fewer than 50 suspects had been arrested for vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the FCT, and 25 vandalized covers had been recovered. He described these actions as a testament to the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) zero tolerance for criminal activities, particularly the destruction of public infrastructure.
Wike Vows Arrested Vandals Will Face The Law, Hails Police, NigeriansWike Vows Arrested Vandals Will Face The Law, Hails Police, Nigerians
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The Minister commended the security agencies for their swift and effective actions, lauding their collaboration as “fantastic” and reassuring FCT residents of their safety and the protection of their properties.
He also praised Nigerians for their patriotic stance against vandalism, emphasizing that safeguarding public infrastructure is a collective responsibility. “Protecting public amenities is, first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of these amenities,” he said.
The FCT Minister urged residents to continue using social media positively, as demonstrated in exposing the removal of manhole covers. He promised the government would respond promptly to such issues, saying, “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for Nigerians are Nigerians themselves. They live among us and are known. It is therefore essential for patriotic Nigerians to expose them before they carry out their criminal acts.”
